Joe Woods has more than two decades of experience as a senior strategic communications and policy advisor in the public and private sector, including significant work in local government relations, constituent outreach, coalition building, campaigns, and political strategy. As managing partner of Pacific Public Affairs, Joe is involved in all aspects of strategy and execution for the firm’s clients.

Prior to joining Pacific Public Affairs, Joe served as deputy chief of staff to King County Executive Dow Constantine. In this role, Joe led all county legislative affairs, developed external relationships, and managed major strategic initiatives.

Before his work at King County, Joe was Washington State operations director for President Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and a senior staff member for the Washington State Democrats’ 2006 coordinated campaign. Joe started his career as an analyst and then associate at Seattle-based investment banking firm Cascadia Capital, helping local companies with private equity transactions. Joe serves on the Board of the Woodland Park Zoo, as chair of the Public Affairs Committee, and the Bellevue Chamber Policy Council.

Joe received his master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, where he focused on domestic policy, political strategy, and communications. He is a graduate of Western Washington University and has a degree in economics and political science.

Sung Yang has more than two decades of experience managing public policy issues, legislative advocacy, communications, political campaigns, crisis management, coalition building, and public opinion research. As a principal with Pacific Public Affairs, Sung advises clients as they seek to successfully navigate complex government processes and public issues.

Prior to joining Pacific Public Affairs, Sung was deputy King County executive and chief of staff for King County Executive Dow Constantine, where he oversaw all of the Executive’s staff and priority issues. In this role, Sung directed policy development, economic development, regional planning, communications, external and government relations, and the climate change team.

Prior to King County, Sung was an executive officer and chief of staff with Seattle City Light and the land use policy advisor for Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. Prior to his public posts, Sung was an attorney with a downtown Seattle law firm and also taught public policy at Seattle University. Sung is a member of the Community Development Roundtable and serves on the Boards of the Downtown Seattle Association, ArtsFund, the Seattle Center Foundation and the YMCA Youth In Government program.

Sung received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Washington.

Cecilia Sorci has more than two decades of experience in communications, politics, and government. As Vice President of Communications with Pacific Public Affairs, Cecilia focuses on communications strategy and public initiatives for the firm’s clients. Her background in print journalism, media relations, crisis communications, media planning, public relations, and strategic communications helps clients reach their goals through issues management, media engagement, and advocacy.

Prior to joining Pacific Public Affairs, Cecilia worked as a reporter for The News Tribune in Tacoma, covering local government, breaking news, and enterprise reporting. Cecilia also worked in investor and public relations for a venture capitalist firm and in communications at The Boeing Company. She also has experience in policy analysis and coalition building through her work at US Census Bureau and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels’ Office.

Gary Moore serves as a senior advisor at Pacific Public Affairs. Gary joined the firm after 29 years of work in Olympia where he served as Washington State’s first director of labor relations and as the director of two state agencies: the Department of Labor and Industries and the Department of Employment Security. Gary also served in several senior positions in Governor Gary Locke’s office.

Gary also had an extended tenure with the Washington Federation of State Employees, where his last post was executive director.

Richard Milne serves as a senior advisor at Pacific Public Affairs. Richard has an extensive career as a writer and communications consultant, with a focus on creating, editing, and producing messaging and strategic materials.

Prior to joining Pacific Public Affairs, Richard served as communications manager for the Puget Sound Regional Council, worked for Washington State for more than a decade, including as Governor Booth Gardner’s press secretary, and was a reporter for two daily newspapers in Washington.

Rachel (Doxtater) Mishra serves as a senior advisor at Pacific Public Affairs. Rachel returns to the firm with 20+ years of work in communications, advocacy, and marketing in the private and non-profit sectors.

Rachel worked on Maria Cantwell’s original Senate race in 2000 and enjoyed five years at PPA before moving on to serve as Marketing and Communications Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. From there she leaned in to brand management and marketing as Senior Director of Consumer Engagement for 206 Inc., the agency of record for Levi’s. From photo shoots to social media, corporate partnerships to marketing plans, Rachel lived and breathed Levi’s for six years. She then joined hometown favorite, Alaska Airlines, to manage their employment brand project and aspects of Alaska’s larger brand rollout before joining PPA once again.

Tyler Pichette has several years of experience as a senior political advisor with a background in local government relations, constituent engagement, strategic communication, and coalition building. As an associate at Pacific Public Affairs, Tyler works with clients to manage their public engagement and advises them as they navigate complex public and legislative processes.

Prior to joining Pacific Public Affairs, Tyler served as Chief of Staff to King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. As Chief of Staff, Tyler managed all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the legislative office including staff, policy, and communications. He also worked closely with local elected officials, community, and business leaders across King County.

Before starting his career at King County, Tyler oversaw local government relations for the Associated Students of the University of Washington, bringing student and community leaders together to advocate directly to local elected officials. He also served with administrative and faculty leaders as the student representative on a variety of planning committees and work groups.

Tyler is a proud graduate of the University of Washington. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economy and a Master of Business Administration.

Zach Dugovich brings extensive expertise in government and labor relations to Pacific Public Affairs, with a background in coalition building, local government engagement, strategic messaging, and contract negotiations. His journey into the realm of public affairs commenced with a near decade-long tenure at AFSCME, the largest Public Employee Union in the United States.

During his tenure at AFSCME, Zach held diverse roles, ranging from national fundraiser to independent expenditure campaign manager, culminating in his position as lead negotiator and union representative for the Washington State Council of County and City Employees. Throughout these roles, Zach fostered relationships with political campaigns, candidates, local government officials, and labor leaders across the United States.

A proud alum of Western Washington University, Zach holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science alongside a minor in Public Relations/Journalism. Beyond work, Zach and his wife Ally enjoy spending quality time with their black labrador, Oakley.

Connie Ballard has decades of experience in customer relations and executive support. As Office Manager for Pacific Public Affairs, Connie is critical to the firm’s daily operations and client support. Prior to joining Pacific Public Affairs, Connie worked at Nordstrom and the Seattle Mariners.

Connie is also an avid volunteer, regularly supporting local school programs and female athletes. Most recently, Connie was a member of the City of Lynnwood Salary Commission, charged with researching and setting salaries of the Lynwood Mayor and City Council. She is also a regular at Masters/Seniors Track and Field competitions.